Casa Símera

The project is a continuation of a previous experience in Puebla, Mexico, called Símera, a cafe that had cabinets with false vaults: the vault was visible, but a void above. For Casa Símera that idea was reinterpreted in a more formal and architectural way. Beyond the shape itself, the reference was meant to influence the way the space is inhabited and perceived.

The design was also determined by the physical condition of the premises: a low space, barely 2.10 m high in some areas. Coming from the exterior (where tall trees and open sky frame the parking lot) the sudden entry into a dark, compressed interior felt like bowing down. This moment of contraction became the core of the narrative, leading to the quadruple height of the atrium, where natural light and vertical greenery opens up the horizon. This sequence (from openness to compression and back to expansion) was intensified to create a journey full of transitions and surprises.

Nestled beneath a canopy of greenery, Casa Símera reveals itself gradually. A stone path leads to a shaded terrace with low seating and lush planters. The entrance functions more as a garden threshold than a commercial façade it’s a prelude that invites stillness. Here, visitors can pause, order a coffee, chat with someone, or enjoy a few moments of sunshine before stepping inside. Inside, the café unfolds as a cozy, intimate space composed of a series of sculpted, contemporary grottoes. Curved benches with individual tables and warm, low lighting in golden tones create a quiet ambiance, enhanced by acoustic treatment that keeps the environment serene even during busier hours, while the textured surfaces change with the light.

The construction of the vaults was an experimental process, defined on site. The work was done as if excavating a solid block, trying to have the walls embrace the space and each cave find its proportion. One of them extended to the street to capture natural light and be visible from the pavement, to attract passersby.

Hot Pilates & Yoga Studio / The Inner Sanctuary

The wellness studio is located on the upper level, envisioned as an introspective retreat. In contrast to the green areas below, this space is intentionally free of vegetation. It is an enclosed room, windowless, with embracing walls and integrated systems that regulate temperature, lighting, and sound. Diffuse, directional, and warm lighting was chosen to create a sense of immersion and inner focus. The atmosphere and spatial configuration promote presence minimal, enveloping, and calm.

This studio is dedicated to hot pilates, yoga, and slow movement practices. It is fully equipped to support physical effort and breath work, while environmental systems ensure optimal comfort throughout the sessions.

Casa Símera operates harmoniously. It is a space designed to adapt to the different rhythms of the day; its architecture proposes a continuous sequence of uses. Every corner invites discovery, presence, and balance nurtured by the intentions of its users. It is a place to inhabit with attention.